Chapter 89

“Coco, wake up. Coco!”

When I came to my senses, we had arrived at the Yuno Kingdom.

Staggering off the ship, I felt a salt-tinged air completely different from the Seraphina Empire.

The blue sky and peacefully flying seagulls made it clear this was a maritime kingdom.

“Welcome to the Yuno Kingdom.”

A welcoming party from the Yuno Kingdom had come to meet us. Being by the sea, most of them had tanned faces.

“From here we’ll proceed in procession to the royal palace. Please follow this way.”

The knights mounted their horses, and ordinary officials like me boarded carriages. A tall man with very bright blond hair rode a lavishly adorned white horse.

“Is that him?”

Elysia nodded.

“That’s right. This delegation’s leader is the Second Prince Raven. His Majesty personally appointed him.”

He was a royal I had never seen before. Similar to the Crown Prince but with a different sort of presence. An essential person to know in case something happens later.

“What kind of person is Prince Raven? I haven’t heard anything.”

Surprisingly, the answer came not from Elysia or Lukan but from Aidan. He had insisted on joining our carriage because he didn’t want to ride alone.

“I’ve seen him a few times because of Magic Tower matters; a quiet personality? He seems to avoid stepping forward at all costs. Almost as if he’s always on the lookout for something.”

Considering the Crown Prince’s temperament, being cautious isn’t surprising. Is it a ‘stay alive at all costs’ stance? I might learn a bit about him from this delegation.

“Coco, is your seasickness better now?”

“Yes. Now that I’m on solid ground I finally feel alive.”

“Do you remember anything? People were really worried.”

“I felt so unwell I don’t remember. Did something happen?”

“Ah, no. I’m glad you’re better.”

I wondered about it, but no matter how much I thought, nothing came to mind, so I nodded awkwardly. I looked at Lukan and Elysia, but they were silent too.

What’s going on?

As soon as we arrived at the palace, welcomed by the people of the Yuno capital, the delegation was led to the audience hall to greet the king.

The Yuno king had the physique and bearing of a very large mariner.

“Thank you for coming such a long way. I hope you stay comfortably during your visit.”

“Thank you. With His Majesty taking such care, this negotiation should proceed smoothly.”

Prince Raven replied politely. The Foreign Minister spoke in a foreign language, they nodded to each other, and then dispersed.

“There will be a banquet tomorrow, so prepare; we will show you the rooms where you’ll be staying. Regarding the talks, how about we discuss them among ourselves over tonight’s dinner?”

“Understood.”

With the prince’s approval, we dispersed to our respective lodgings. I was assigned the same room as Elysia.

Actually, Elysia was interested in languages and had intended to apply to the Foreign Ministry but ended up in the Chancellery. So she knew some of the Yuno language, and for convenience we shared a room.

The room was spacious and comfortable, and the weather visible through the window was so sunny it was perfect travel weather. Elysia, lying on the bed with a satisfied expression, rolled around and said.

“I’m going to eat my fill on this delegation.”

“Suddenly you talk of food?”

Had Elysia been dieting?

“The guilt that loosens because it’s spread among so many people…”

“I know what you mean.”

Even without saying it, since everyone was an unmarried noble they seemed to keep up at least minimal upkeep. But since this delegation’s schedule had many occasions for shared feasting, I took it to mean she’d let loose and eat comfortably.

After unpacking a bit and resting, it was already dinnertime. At the maid’s guidance, the two of us slowly moved to the dining hall. The table was composed only of central imperial ministry officials who would participate in the talks.

“Ms. Cornelia, hello.”

“Mr. Girion?”

Girion, the deputy commander of the royal knight first order, was also part of the delegation’s escort and a member attending the talks.

“It’s good to see you here. I look forward to your contributions in this negotiation as well.”

“I’m just here to learn. The Foreign Minister and other seniors will handle things well.”

“Then, if it’s alright, perhaps later a tour of the harbor…”

“Everyone, take your seats.”

At that moment, the conversation was hastily ended by the Duke’s voice. Everyone hurried to their seats.

“Sometimes he does things I like.”

“Aidan, what did you say?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Aidan answered with a faint smile and seemed particularly suspicious today. He had odd quirks, but I thought he was cheerful and kind.

Prince Raven began his meal with a measured smile. It was the first time I’d seen him this close.

‘Blond hair and golden eyes… Judging by his build, he seems to practice swordsmanship regularly, but his gaze… I can’t tell.’

There was no information at all about his usual tendencies, personality, or work style.

‘So does he really just loaf around the palace doing nothing? Hah. I’m jealous…’

At the same time, a mean thought sprouted. If he’d been having that much fun on taxes, I should make him look troubled now… Am I being cruel?

“Do you have any complaints about His Highness the Prince?”

Elysia used honorifics since it was, in a sense, an official occasion.

“Anyway, he’s a superior. I’m observing what kind of person he is.”

“That makes sense. Through this delegation I’ll see if he’s fit to be my boss.”

“Isn’t that pointless? How could you beat royalty?”

“I have my own standards. I’ll just say that the secretary passed the fastest.”

“Secretary Elysia… I heard you were not very talkative.”

“I simply had nothing to say. Who would I have wanted to talk to at the previous Chancellery?”

I nodded, recalling the previous Chancellery that had overflowed with villains.

“I’m not a fan of super casualness between bosses and subordinates.”

“Don’t worry. I draw that line sharply.”

“…You drop honorifics with me.”

“That’s when it’s not about work, so indulge me. I wanted a peer friend too.”

Actually, Elysia is a year older than me. So I didn’t want to be picky about honorifics. Calling her ‘older sister’ felt odd now. Is the family tree getting tangled like this?

As the meal was finishing, the Foreign Minister brought up matters related to the banquet and the talks.

“Tomorrow’s banquet will be attended by Yuno’s royals, nobles, and clerks. Since you’ll be treated as honored guests, there don’t seem to be major obstacles for these talks. Both sides have given verbal agreement on the pact. You could say only the seals remain.”

In fact, Yuno had no reason to oppose. If Yuno assisted in tracing hidden assets and apprehending suspects, we would in turn cooperate in arresting criminals who committed crimes in Yuno and crossed into the Empire. After negotiations, crossing borders and obtaining cooperation from local knight orders or patrols would become much easier.

“Very well. Then let’s meet at tomorrow night’s banquet.”

Prince Raven quietly signaled the end of the meal and stood up.

‘Is he making announcements for the start and end or what?’

His level of engagement was far too low. He could have smiled and exchanged light matters with the ministers, but there was none of that. Even the ministers seemed awkward around the prince. After all, he’s the face of the delegation, so I began to worry whether the talks would go smoothly.

When everyone stood, I subtly took note of the Duke’s position and quickly slipped back to my lodgings when no one was looking.

‘I need to finish this quickly too.’

Thinking of the Duke’s appearance at Those Who Can’t Resign made my heart heavy.

The next day, a banquet for the delegation was held.

Fortunately, it was naturally permitted for delegation members to attend without partners. I was dragged by Lady Kiara and Pinea—who had heard about the delegation—and entered wearing a dress tailored by Lorant. It was a simple baby-pink off-shoulder dress. They said it was a popular dress color in Yuno.

“His Majesty the King approaches!”

The Yuno king entered leading royals and retainers. Following him were people in white attire—seemingly the clergy the Foreign Minister mentioned.

The king sat and welcomed the delegation’s visit, personally introducing the royals and key figures. Lastly, it was the clergy’s turn.

“Here are our Yuno ministers and clergy. They have come to bless today’s delegation and talks.”

“Nice to meet you.”

The prince offered thanks as the representative. I privately thought of them as people who don’t believe in gods and only look after their own interests, so I paid them no mind. The Foreign Minister introduced our side’s attendees.

“These are the central ministry officials attending this negotiation: from the Foreign Ministry… (omitted)… from the Ministry of Finance… (omitted)… from the War Ministry… (omitted)… from the Chancellery, First-rank Secretary Cornelia Libertas, senior Scribe Elysia Langford, Lukan….”

“Cornelia!”

Then, suddenly one of the opposing clergy sprang forward and went to embrace me… but was stopped by the Duke and Aidan.

“Eek!”

What the—what is this situation? I never heard that Cornelia had acquaintances abroad.

No, this family isn’t in a position to go abroad in the first place.

“Who are you…?”

A man with dark brown hair, a slender build, and gray eyes tinged with brown. Definitely someone I’d never seen. Wait, the color of his eyes…?

“Coco, no matter how long it’s been, how could you not even remember your brother?”

“Brother? Th-then my eldest brother?”

He smiled brightly and nodded.

The eldest brother… that brute was actually alive.